Workers 'in limbo' as Vivergo Fuels plant takes final delivery

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Paul Murphy & Holly Phillips report for BBC News about the uncertain future of the UK’s largest bioethanol plant, Vivergo Fuels, located near Hull. The plant is facing financial difficulties following a government decision to end a 19% tariff on US imports of bioethanol as part of a recent UK-US trade deal. This decision has put the future of the plant in jeopardy, leading to consultations about shutting down the facility.

Managers at Vivergo Fuels are requesting financial assistance from ministers to prevent the plant from halting production, which could happen as early as September 13. The closure of the plant would not only impact the 160 employees but also approximately 4,500 jobs in the supply chain, which includes farmers growing wheat and truck drivers transporting it. The government is currently in talks with the company to find a solution that protects jobs and supply chains.

Stacey Monkman, who has been with Vivergo for three years in various departments, expressed the difficulty in maintaining morale due to the uncertainty surrounding the plant’s future. Production manager Nick Smalley emphasized the need for swift action to secure a bright future for the team. The plant, which buys over a million tonnes of British wheat annually, has a significant impact on farmers and transport companies, showcasing the wide-reaching consequences of its potential closure.

Ben Hackett, the managing director of Vivergo, describes the plant as a key component of the green economy that faces a crisis due to the elimination of the tariff on US imports. He urges the government to support bioethanol production and provide financial assistance to ensure the plant’s viability. A government spokesperson acknowledged the challenges faced by the bioethanol industry and reiterated the commitment to work with Vivergo to protect jobs and supply chains during this uncertain period

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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